Business investment fund boost for Northumberland B&B

A booming B&B in Northumberland is looking to grow thanks to help from a regional business investment fund.

Green Croft On The Wall is a boutique B&B on Hadrian’s Wall, between Greenhead and Gilsland, and the investment is supporting improvements to the farmhouse accommodation, creating high-quality ensuite guest rooms designed specifically for walkers and short-break visitors.

Amanda Drago, of Green Croft On The Wall and Susan Snowdon, of NEL Fund Managers.

placeholder image — Amanda Drago, of Green Croft On The Wall and Susan Snowdon, of NEL Fund Managers.

It will also support the wider visitor experience connected to The Threshing Barn – a creative and well-being hub offering yoga, sound baths, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.

The aims is to create a place where visitors can rest, reconnect with nature and experience the remarkable landscape and heritage of Hadrian’s Wall - while promoting sustainable rural tourism and delivering lasting benefits to local communities.

The funding comes from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans - which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Susan Snowdon, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “Having a strong familiarity with the area, it was a real pleasure to visit the site and see the progress made to date.

"The accommodation is ideally positioned to attract walkers and visitors alike, and I’m confident it will see strong demand and return.”

Amanda Drago, director at Green Croft On The Wall said: “NEL have been incredibly supportive throughout the process.

"Susan took the time to really understand our business and helped translate the requirements and risks from the lender’s perspective into something we could clearly understand and work through confidently.”

Operated by British Business Bank, the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank said: “Green Croft On The Wall shows how targeted investment can help rural tourism businesses enhance their offer and unlock sustainable regional growth.”

NEL Fund Managers are also managing debt finance – which offers between £100,000 to £2m to established businesses looking to realise their growth potential.

For more information about NEL, go to www.nel.co.uk or call 0345 369 7007.